I've been one of the big-time proponents of POWDERED Dirtex wall-washing. Learned this big pearl of wisdom from a formerly regular member here....Brushworks.

Powdered cleaners and regular "liquid" cleaners are two different things!!!!! I'm no chemist, but there are ingredients in liquids to keep the cleaning-agents in suspension, that aren't required in powders. Those added ingredients are most of the reason the shouldn't be used b4 painting.
>>> They can leave residues of their own that interfere with new paints' adhesion.
>>> TSP is a great cleaner....BUT....has to be rinsed multiple times, or a haze can be left behind that...guess what...interferes with a new paints' grip.

I'm glad you double-checked the HD's off-the-cuff/mistaken instructions!!!

Faron

Dirtex question: I am re-painting trim in a new-to-us house. The current paint isn't flaking off the trim and it appears to be in good shape, I'd venture to say it is only a couple years old... Is it possible to give the trim a good scrub with dirtex (powdered) using a green nylon sponge and get away with not sanding? I'm planning to prime or use a couple of coats of Aura for the trim. While I know it is not a perfect way to go, is this passable in your (professional and highly valued)opinion?

I've been one of the big-time proponents of POWDERED Dirtex wall-washing. Learned this big pearl of wisdom from a formerly regular member here....Brushworks.

Yup. Many of us learned that very valuable lesson from him. Thank you for the expanded explanation, Faron.

Dirtex question: I am re-painting trim in a new-to-us house. The current paint isn't flaking off the trim and it appears to be in good shape, I'd venture to say it is only a couple years old... Is it possible to give the trim a good scrub with dirtex (powdered) using a green nylon sponge and get away with not sanding? I'm planning to prime or use a couple of coats of Aura for the trim. While I know it is not a perfect way to go, is this passable in your (professional and highly valued)opinion?

Depends some on what primer you use, but in general ,yes, you should be good.

Thank you so much for the answer!

I've chickened out and decided to sand the trim I've gotten to so far but we have a whole wall of bookshelves and about 5 doors that I may not have the patience (or stamina) to sand down. I'm responding for LMNCO. Somehow it let me post a message without logging in but it won't let me post a follow up without doing so.

I've been using Dirtex (only powdered because you can control the strength) for MANY years.

I have used it successfully to prep for painting, instead of kilz. Also, even though there is a caution against using on wood, I used it (2T to 1 gallon water) to scrub black mold off teak on a boat before varnishing with Sikkens.

Most excellent stuff.

Can Dirtex adequately clean old oak cabinets in preparation for painting them?

I am looking for the same answer as above question